Port Coquitlam, Metro Vancouver

Renovations and builds in Port Coquitlam

Over 45% of Port Coquitlam sits in a diked river floodplain, and a tree here needs a permit from just 15 cm across. We renovate homes and build suites here, and the quote is free.

Get a free quote Call 236-638-5302

Port Coquitlam · Metro Vancouver

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After a site visit, with what is fixed and what is an allowance.

One contract

One point of contact, from quote to final walkthrough.

Licensed trade partners

Electrical, plumbing and gas, under our management.

Victoria to the Lower Mainland

Greater Victoria, up-Island and Metro Vancouver.

Port Coquitlam’s housing

In the 2021 Census, 36.7% of Port Coquitlam’s 22,885 occupied homes were single-detached and 35.0% were semi-detached, row houses or duplexes. The largest building period is 1981 to 2000, at 40.7%.

The City’s community plan says Lincoln Park and Mary Hill developed from the 1950s, and Riverwood and Citadel Heights in the 1980s and 90s. If you own one of the older houses in Lincoln Park or Mary Hill and want to add a suite, two rules matter: new suites are exempt from development cost charges, and any title covenant that prohibits suites must be discharged first.

36.7% single-detached houses
35.0% semi-detached, row houses and duplexes
40.7% built 1981 to 2000
27.8% built 1961 to 1980

Port Coquitlam rules for suites, units and trees

Secondary suites are allowed only in the RS-1 to RS-4 zones, and each needs a building permit. Garden suites and laneway or coach homes are small-scale housing options. A new accessory dwelling needs a small-scale housing development permit before the City issues a building permit.

In RS-1 to RS-4, lots of 280 m² or less allow 3 units and larger lots 4. Lots within 400 m of frequent bus service, which the City says generally means along Lougheed Highway, allow 6. Small-scale units are not permitted in a designated transit-oriented area.

The City’s Energy Permit covers hydronic heating installs only. Its pages do not set a local step code level, so ask the City what applies to a new house.

Tree Bylaw No. 4108 protects trees of 15 cm or more at 1.4 m, or over 5 m tall
One replacement tree per tree removed, two for a significant tree over 60 cm
New suites are exempt from development cost charges
Title covenants that prohibit suites must be discharged

Building permits: City of Port Coquitlam: single-family and two-family permits

Neighbourhoods we cover in Port Coquitlam

Lincoln Park
Mary Hill
Riverwood
Citadel Heights
Oxford Heights
Downtown

Port Coquitlam’s general tree permit threshold, 15 cm in diameter or 5 m tall, is the lowest of any Metro Vancouver city in this guide.

Rivers, dikes and silty soil

The City’s community plan says over 45% of Port Coquitlam is in the floodplain of the Coquitlam, Pitt and Fraser rivers, behind dikes built to a 200-year standard and pump stations. Low relief and fine, silty soils mean the lowlands drain poorly. Mary Hill is the main high ground and slopes down to the Fraser.

On floodplain properties, habitable rooms are not permitted below the flood construction level. If you’re thinking of a basement suite on low ground, check that level before you design.